How to find your current driving points in Georgia
Your driving points in Georgia are tracked by the Department of Driver Services (DDS), not by Atlanta city government. You can check your record online through the DDS website, by mail, or in person at a DDS office. The fastest way is online: go to the Georgia DDS website, select "Driving Records," and follow the steps to order your official driving record. You will need your driver's license number and date of birth.
Georgia's point system adds points to your record when you receive certain traffic violations. A speeding ticket might add two or three points, while a reckless driving conviction could add four. Points stay on your record for a set time — usually two years from the violation date — then drop off automatically. Your record also shows suspensions, revocations, and any restrictions on your license.
The DDS charges a small fee for an official driving record (usually around $5 to $10), but you can view a summary of your points for free through your online DDS account if you have created one. Creating an account takes a few minutes and lets you check your record anytime without ordering a new copy each time.
Key Takeaways
- Georgia's Department of Driver Services maintains your driving points record, and you can check it online, by mail, or in person at a DDS office.
- Points are added for traffic violations and remain on your record for two years from the violation date before dropping off automatically.
- You can view a summary of your points free through a DDS online account, or order an official driving record for a fee.
- Accumulating 15 points within 24 months triggers a license suspension in Georgia, so checking your record helps you understand where you stand.
Checking your record online through the Georgia DDS website
The Georgia DDS website (dds.georgia.gov) is the fastest way to see your points. Click on "Driving Records" in the main menu, then select "Order Your Driving Record Online." You will be asked to enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will verify your identity and show you options for ordering your record.
If you want to avoid paying a fee, create a free DDS account instead. Go to dds.georgia.gov and look for "My DDS Account" or "Create an Account." Once you log in, you can view a summary of your current points, violations, and license status at no cost. This summary is not an official document you can use for court or insurance purposes, but it shows you the same point total that matters for your driving privileges.
Ordering an official record online takes about five to ten minutes, and you can usually read it when ready or have it mailed to you. The fee is typically $5 to $10 depending on how fast you need it. Keep a copy of your official record if you plan to dispute a violation or show it to your insurance company.
Checking your record in person at a DDS office
You can walk into any Georgia DDS office and request your driving record on the spot. Bring your driver's license and be prepared to pay the fee. The staff will print your record for you, and you will have it when ready. This option works well if you need your record the same day or prefer not to order online.
DDS offices are located throughout Georgia, including several in the Atlanta area. You can find the office nearest you on the DDS website by entering your zip code. Hours vary by location, so check before you go. Some offices are busier than others, so arriving early in the day or on a weekday may mean a shorter wait.
Checking your record by mail
You can also request your driving record by mail. read the form from the DDS website (usually called a "Driving Record Request Form"), fill it out, and mail it to the address listed on the form along with your fee. This method takes longer — typically one to two weeks — so use it only if you do not need your record right away.
Include a check or money order for the fee, your driver's license number, date of birth, and your current mailing address. The DDS will mail your official record back to you. Keep the confirmation number or receipt in case you need to follow up on your request.
Understanding the points on your record
When you look at your driving record, you will see a list of violations and the points assigned to each one. Common violations and their point values in Georgia include: speeding (2 to 4 points depending on how far over the limit), following too closely (3 points), improper lane change (2 points), and reckless driving (4 points). More serious violations like driving under the influence (DUI) carry higher points and may also trigger a license suspension.
Points accumulate over time, and Georgia uses a 24-month rolling window. This means the state looks at all violations from the past 24 months and adds up the points. If your total reaches 15 points within that 24-month period, your license will be suspended. Once a violation falls outside the 24-month window, those points no longer count toward your total, even though the violation remains on your record.
Your record also shows any suspensions or revocations you have received, the dates they took effect, and whether they are currently active. If your license is suspended, you will see the reason and the date you become may be able to access to reinstate it.
What to do if you find errors on your record
If your driving record shows a violation you do not recognize or believe is incorrect, you can dispute it. Contact the Georgia DDS and explain the error. You may need to provide documentation, such as a court document showing the case was dismissed or a letter from the court correcting the record.
Disputes can take several weeks to resolve, so start the process as soon as you notice the problem. If the error affects your license status or insurance rates, ask the DDS for a timeline on when the correction will appear on your official record. Keep copies of all correspondence and documents you send to the DDS.
How points affect your license and insurance
Accumulating points can lead to license suspension, higher insurance premiums, or both. Insurance companies use your driving record to set your rates, and violations with points typically result in higher premiums. Some insurers may even drop you if your record shows multiple violations within a short time.
If you receive a traffic ticket, you have the option to contest it in court or, in some cases, take a defensive driving course to reduce the points added to your record. Some violations can be reduced to a non-moving violation if you handle them correctly, which means fewer or no points. Understanding your current point total helps you make informed decisions about how to respond to future tickets.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do points stay on my Georgia driving record?
Points remain on your record for two years from the date of the violation. After two years, they drop off and no longer count toward your 15-point suspension threshold. However, the violation itself stays on your record permanently for insurance and employment purposes.
What happens if I reach 15 points?
Your Georgia driver's license will be suspended. You must wait until points fall off your record to bring your total below 15, or you can request a hearing with the DDS to explain your situation. Once your license is suspended, you cannot drive legally until it is reinstated.
Can I remove points from my record by taking a defensive driving course?
Georgia does not allow you to remove points by taking a course, but some traffic violations can be reduced or dismissed if you contest them in court or negotiate with the prosecutor. A defensive driving course may lower your insurance rates, but it does not affect your DDS point total.
How do I reinstate my license after a suspension?
Contact the Georgia DDS to find out the specific steps for your suspension. You may need to pay a reinstatement fee, provide proof of insurance, or complete other requirements. The DDS website has information about reinstatement fees and procedures, or call your local DDS office for details.
Does a violation in another state show up on my Georgia record?
Yes, if you were driving a vehicle registered in Georgia or if you hold a Georgia license, out-of-state violations may appear on your Georgia record through the Interstate Compact agreement. The points assigned may differ from Georgia's system, so check your record to see how the violation was recorded.